Ezekiel 21:31

Ezekiel 21:31 KJV Commentary

Ezekiel 21:31 delivers a powerful declaration of God's impending judgment, specifically directed towards the Ammonites, a nation hostile to Israel. This verse underscores the severity of divine wrath and the instruments God uses to execute His justice.

Context

Chapter 21 of Ezekiel is often referred to as the "Song of the Sword" or "Prophecy of the Sword," where the prophet vividly describes the Lord's sharpened sword of judgment. While much of the chapter focuses on Jerusalem and the house of Israel, the latter part (verses 28-32) turns its attention to the Ammonites. They are condemned for their gloating over Jerusalem's downfall and their persistent hostility towards God's people. God's judgment is portrayed as an inescapable, consuming force, with Babylon often serving as the primary instrument of His wrath against surrounding nations. This verse highlights that even nations seemingly acting on their own accord are ultimately fulfilling God's sovereign plan.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Indignation and Wrath: The verse powerfully conveys God's intense anger against sin and rebellion. Phrases like "pour out mine indignation" and "fire of my wrath" emphasize the consuming nature of His judgment. This is not a passive anger but an active, destructive force.
• Sovereignty in Judgment: God declares His direct involvement in the punishment, stating "I will pour out" and "I will blow." Even the "brutish men, skilful to destroy" are merely instruments in His hand, demonstrating that God is sovereign over nations and their actions, using them to accomplish His purposes. For another example of God using nations as His instruments, see Isaiah 10:5.
• Consequences of Sin and Hostility: The Ammonites, like many nations surrounding Israel, faced severe consequences for their idolatry, pride, and antagonism towards God's chosen people. This verse serves as a stark reminder that persistent rebellion against God's will leads to inevitable destruction.

Linguistic Insights

• "Indignation" (Hebrew: za'am - זַעַם): This term denotes a strong, vehement displeasure or fury, often associated with God's righteous anger against sin. It implies a righteous and just wrath.
• "Blow against thee in the fire of my wrath": This vivid imagery portrays God's judgment as a fierce, all-consuming fire, much like a furnace where impurities are consumed. It suggests an intense, unquenchable force.
• "Brutish men" (Hebrew: bo'arim - בֹּעֲרִים): This word describes people who are senseless, ignorant, or animal-like in their behavior, lacking moral or spiritual understanding. It suggests a lack of restraint or compassion in their destructive actions.
• "Skilful to destroy" (Hebrew: mashchitim - מַשְׁחִיתִים): This emphasizes the proficiency and effectiveness of these destructive agents. They are not merely destructive but are adept at causing ruin and devastation, fulfilling God's purpose of judgment.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 21:31, while directed at ancient Ammon, carries timeless truths. It reminds us of:

• The Seriousness of God's Justice: God is not only loving but also just. He will not tolerate unrepentant sin indefinitely. This should lead us to a healthy fear of the Lord and a desire for righteousness. The Bible consistently speaks of God's wrath against ungodliness, as seen in Romans 1:18.
• God's Control Over All Things: Even in the midst of chaos and destruction, God remains sovereign. He can use even wicked or "brutish" instruments to achieve His divine purposes, reminding us that His plan is always unfolding.
• A Call to Repentance: Understanding the severity of God's judgment should drive individuals and nations to repentance and seeking God's mercy. While judgment is certain for the unrepentant, God's desire is for all to turn from their wicked ways and live, as proclaimed in Ezekiel 33:11.